Security dialogue on Napolitano agenda
On the sidelines of the Indo-American cooperation in counter-terrorism initiatives since the November 2008 Mumbai terror attack, US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Tuesday began a four-day visit to India.
Napolitano’s visit will be marked by a new bilateral dialogue, including ways to improve cooperation in counter-terrorism.
Napolitano, who arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, will hold talks with Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in New Delhi and both will jointly launch the US-India Homeland Security Dialogue.
“The dialogue will highlight protecting the global supply chain, combating illicit financing and enhancing cyber security besides increasing information-sharing between the US and India on counter-terrorism and other issues that affect our security,” a statement said.
Napolitano will also meet other Indian officials and representatives of industry to share best practices on homeland security, coordinate on counter-terrorism and law enforcement to ensure the safety of US and Indian citizens.
The new dialogue on homeland security was announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US President Barack Obama in October 2010.
Last week, US Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security Jane Holl Lute had called up India’s Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao to discuss the agenda for the homeland security dialogue.
